Perodua Kancil

In 1997, the Malaysian car manufacturer Perodua approached Stola, an Italian design company, to revamp its city-car model, the Kancil. Perodua had been producing the Kancil for years under license from Daihatsu, but now sought a complete restyling. This project was particularly significant for Stola, as it was the first time the company was asked to design both the exterior and interior style of a new car, a challenge that marked a significant shift in its design operations. Perodua was introduced to Stola by Hawtal & Whiting, and the request involved not just engineering but also the creation of master models and several prototypes. The design task was a major step forward for Stola, requiring them to push their creative boundaries. To tackle this, Stola brought in some of the best talents in automotive design: Leonardo Fioravanti, Porsche Engineering Service, and Marcello Gandini were all invited to submit their proposals. Each designer brought a unique perspective to the table, with Gandini’s contribution standing out as the chosen design. Gandini, renowned for his work on iconic cars such as the Lamborghini Miura and the Countach, proposed a bold new direction for the Kancil. His design aimed to elevate the city car’s appearance, blending compact efficiency with modern aesthetic appeal. The restyled Kancil was to embody a dynamic, youthful character while maintaining practicality for urban environments, a balance that was crucial for a city car. The final design was an exciting evolution, giving the Kancil a fresh, appealing look that helped redefine the model’s presence in the market. The project marked a milestone in Stola’s history, showcasing its ability to innovate and adapt to new challenges in the automotive industry, particularly in styling and design. Gandini’s vision ultimately played a pivotal role in transforming the Perodua Kancil into a more modern, attractive vehicle.